Saturday, December 31, 2016

October - Gram and Pop's Visit and Halloween!

Well... I didn't finish the year in time... but never fear, October is here!  Again, this is light on words, heavy on pictures!

Some Mommy/Addison antics:
  


Heather Farms in Walnut Creek... not much of a pumpkin patch, but very cool playground. If it hadn't been 100 degrees, the kids would have played all day!

 

 

Costume Shopping... unfortunately, Mr. Flash did NOT go for this outfit. :(

We were pirates instead! 
First Halloween themed event - a local fundraiser for a children's hospital... and our friend Sue's birthday!

An intense band!
 


We were Boo'd!

Gram and Pop came for the holiday fun! 


But first, we took a trip to Gilroy, CA and Pinnacles National Park. What a cool place!  

Stuck in traffic for three hours... at least we brought refreshments!

On the shuttle headed to the park... Addison is choosing which trail we will take.


It wasn't an easy hike! But it was definitely worth it!






I loved all these tunnels and caves to explore!







Do you see the face in the rock?

I think this one was called Snoopy's rock?

Just as we approached the safety of the car... we found our first (and thankfully only) tarantula!
He was big and hairy, and I am NOT a fan. But it was kinda cool to see one in the wild! 
That night, we headed to Gilroy Gardens for their Festival of Lights, a celebration of China. It was amazing! I was super impressed with the displays, and I loved learning about all the meaning and symbolism in Chinese Culture.
The gates to enter the park, passing through brings good luck!





These pieces (above and two below) were created with little glass bottles filled with different colored liquids!
 


This dragon was made with plates, tea cups and saucers. It was truly amazing.


Just had to throw this pic in to remind us that Addison was indeed a Daddy's girl on this trip (she has since switched back to Mommy), and was a complete GRUMP the morning we went back to the amusement park.

Back at Gilroy Gardens the next day... definitely not as much fun during the day, especially when your kids hate all rides. :/

 


Stay off the road! Andrew is driving!


 

 
Above - the dragon during the day, showing the details of the plates!

We left Gilroy and headed to San Jose for the night.
Trying to teach good restaurant behavior at dinner.

She's back to planning our trip!

At the Tech Museum. Our kids definitely were not ready for this place... and the place wasn't ready for them. 
Back in Mountain House...
Halloween Bingo!

Getting pumpkins at our local produce farm!





A pirate skeleton - our newest family member!


 

Checking herself out with a wig on!
Headed to the annual Halloween Parade!



A bunch of scalawags!


A pirate with his bounty!

 
For those of you who don't recognize her, Addison is dressed up as Izzy from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

Carving Pumpkins!





Another Halloween Parade... this time at School!

Andrew and his 8th grade Buddy.

Gram and Pop babysitting a sleeping Addison after their walk! :)
Trick or Treating!


Addison did not wear her wig out on Halloween, so I'm pretty sure everyone just thought she didn't dress up at all.
With our neighbors, Pyper and Bash and a Kindergarten friend, Kaylee.



Gram and Pop love trick or treating!

Pop talking to the Creepy Clown - for later reference, 2016 was the year where Creepy Clown costumes were banned from schools due to criminal activity and police warnings. Sigh.
My Halloween Tree! Ghosts of Halloween Costume's past!